Google partners with Luxottica (owner of Ray-Ban, Oakley, and more) to design future versions of Glass

Google is getting ready to take their wearable headset into the mainstream. In an unexpected announcement made only moments ago via their official Google+, the Google Glass team have revealed their newest partnership in Glass eyewear: Luxottica. For those unaware, Luxottica are the folks responsible for such popular brands as Oakley, Ray-Ban, Arnette, Oliver-Peoples and more.

According to Google, these guys will not only help in building and designing Glass compatible sunglasses and prescription lenses, but because of their retail prowess (over 5,000 stores in the US), will help make Glass available to even more people once it’s officially ready for public consumption.

It’s still unclear whether we’ll see Oakley/Ray-Ban specific Google Glass designs, or if the partnership is only referring to the attachable shades/lenses. We’ve reached out to Google for comment and will let you know when we hear more.

Not sure if you’ve seen the price of Ray-Bans, but it sounds like this might drive the cost up. But then again, I’m sure Luxoticca has access to better manufacturing resources than Google. Besides, there’s no question Google was hiking up the price on Glass to curb demand.

WookieWookie

I’m not a fan of Luxotica. They are the De Beers of eyewear. Buy up competitors, monopolize the selling of their products in their stores (Sunglass hut, Lenscrafters, etc.). They take a $40 pair of plastic glasses, slap a fashion name on them and then jack up the price to $140. Ray Ban’s are way too expensive for what I get. If you want their famous name brand, you will end up paying for it. 60 minutes did a pretty good exposé on them.

Len Waugh

I think most of the cost is in the electronics so I doubt it. Mind you, Oakleys are like 500 and up with out google glass so thoughs ones will be pricey.

Marc Spector

I’m sorry, but I’ve never paid that much for Oakleys. No disrespect, where are you shopping at?

Len Waugh

Oakley Authorized Optomatrists. Ya, my bad… I some time forget people with 20/20 buy glasses too. Still, i think the point is fair, Oakley and other name brands are pricey and will likly be the more expensive option.

I kinda expect a cheap maybe clip on option eventually too. Seems like it wouldn’t be hard to do. if not clip on then a replacment specticle arm.

frostypawz

No matter who glass partners with,the style will be ruined by the look of glass itself. The only way glass is going to have mass acceptance and appeal is if it is designed into the glasses frames themselves and is invisible. I feel google will eventually realize this and work towards that goal.Before then the majority of people with glass will be viewed as nerds or annoyances. Proper etiquette will be to remove them when you approach people which will be a hassle.For the current “obvious” version of glass, the novelty thing will run its course.If you can’t wear and forget them it will never take off in a big way in my opinion.

Go Hawkeyes

You’re assuming glass will still be a big clunky box on the side of the frame. The whole point of the partnership is to make it less noticeable and more stylish. Also, as with all technology, Google will likely be able to significantly reduce the footprint of glass hardware.

DanielMcCarthy

God I really hope they don’t change the metallic band itself. I don’t want Glass to look like glasses. I If I feel that I want the “traditional look”, I should be able to attach a frame according to what I want.

steveb944

Doesn’t Oakley already have some sort of HUD display prototypes already for sports? I could of sworn I heard that somewhere, maybe it was my dreams. This is the same company that brought MP3 playing sunglasses so I can see a great transition in Glass design.